Higher Activity Waste Operations Technician

Nuclear Restoration Services Limited (NRS), a subsidiary of the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority, oversees the decommissioning of several first-generation nuclear power stations and research sites in the UK. NRS is seeking a Production Technician (Operations) at Chapelcross, where the role involves maintenance, inspection, and waste management tasks. The organisation values inclusivity and offers various employee networks to promote diversity. Benefits include flexible working, generous leave, a bonus scheme, and training opportunities. NRS encourages applications from underrepresented groups and highlights the importance of a secure and respectful workplace.

Nuclear Restoration Services Limited (NRS) is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA). NRS is responsible for decommissioning first generation nuclear power stations Berkeley, Bradwell, Chapelcross, Dungeness A, Hinkley Point A, Hunterston A, Oldbury, Sizewell A, Trawsfynydd and Wylfa, and research sites Harwell and Winfrith. NRS is also responsible for electricity generation at hydroelectric plant Maentwrog. As a division of NRS, NRS Dounreay is responsible for the clean-up and demolition of the former centre of fast reactor research and development.
NRS is an exciting place to be, and this role is the perfect opportunity for you to be part of our challenging mission – to safely and successfully manage the UK’s civil nuclear legacy on behalf of the nation. To deliver our commitment, we need people like you who want to perform at an industry leading standard and be part of a team that continues to develop, innovate and even exceed our greatest achievements.
At NRS, we understand, and acknowledge the value of an inclusive working environment, and celebrate the diversity this brings to our workplace. Without this approach, we wouldn’t be in the position that we are now, being able to safeguard and secure the future of our organisation.
About the role
Production Technician (Operations) (BR107)
Hear from the Hiring Manager:
“Could it be time to start your career journey at Chapelcross?
Chapelcross nuclear power station occupies a 92-hectare site on the location of a former World War II training airfield in Annan. As such, it is geographically one of the largest NRS sites with approximately 200 people working safely and efficiently on our decommissioning mission.
The south area of the site consists of a modular administration building, four reactor buildings, turbine hall, maintenance workshops, stores, fuel element cooling pond building, tritium processing plant and new flask handling facility. The tritium processing plant at Chapelcross is the only plant of its kind across all the UK’s former generating nuclear power stations.
With decades ahead of ongoing work, could you be our next Technician working within the Higher Activity Waste & Infrastructure Department?
You’d be part of a team who carry out varied tasks; ranging from the examination, inspection, maintenance and testing of plant and equipment to safely and compliantly retrieving intermediate level waste for storage in our Interim Storage Facility. Your work would be diverse and would suit someone who has a wide range of skills and is willing to develop these skills further to grow with the team to successfully deliver the site and NRS goals. Many of our Technicians have had career journeys that have led to more senior technical roles or into leadership.
Chapelcross has an active wellbeing group who coordinate and deliver a number of wellbeing, social and charitable activities for our people throughout the year.
Across NRS we have a number of member led networks who actively contribute to making NRS a fair and equal organisation. These include; NRS Women’s network, Young persons’ network, Mental Health First Aiders’ network, Neurodiversity network, Men’s Health & Wellbeing network, Race equality network, NRS Pride network and Menopause network.
The Nuclear Decommissioning Authority are also supporting the ‘Beyond Chapelcross’ CX project, which is working towards the future development of the Chapelcross site into a regional employment centre focussed around green energy and net zero industry, sustainable agriculture and food, clean mobility and logistics, education, skills and training for digital connectivity and data services.”
Please note – We occasionally close vacancies early in the event we receive a high volume of applications, so we would encourage you to apply as soon as you can.
Key Duties/Responsibilities/Accountabilities:
Carry out core maintenance and operational duties within his/her own level of demonstrated competence.
Carry out tasks within scope and competence and to assist with fault investigations.
Maintain accurate records of completed tasks in support of the site plant maintenance schedule.
Become a Suitably Qualified and Experienced Person (SQEP) on various plant items as required by the Site License.
Carry out Ionising Radiation Regulations (IRR) and Radioactive Substances Act (RSA) surveys to approved and established procedures (Health Physics (HP) Monitor Level 5).
Provide technical support to current and future project design and implementation.
The post holder may be required to carry out identified roles as necessary according to business need, for example site security support.
The post holder will be required to fulfil a role in the Site Emergency Scheme.
The post holder may be required to be a classified worker as specified in the IRRs.
As a customer-focused individual, the post holder will be expected to support delivery within his or her range of skills, knowledge, experience and competence.
Comply with the Health, Safety, Security, Environmental and Quality policies, procedures, work instructions and risk assessments.
Support the continuous improvement of Health, Safety, Security, Environment and Quality on Site.
Assist in the training and development of team members.
Uphold Company values at all times by putting safety and environmental protection first; building trust by acting with integrity and respect for others; and ensuring that we promote and support innovation and efficiency to achieve successful delivery of the mission.
Qualifications & Experience:
Experience of working in an industrial environment (essential).
Appropriate technical qualification e.g., City and Guilds, BTEC, NVQ (NQF Level 2) or relevant experience (essential).
Experienced in the competent use of industrial hand tools, operation of equipment (cranes, FLTs, MEWPs etc.), operation of industrial plant, plant and maintenance (desirable).
Benefits Package
Nuclear Restoration Services Limited (NRS) staff should refer to the document titled “Spot Point v Grade alignment” available on SharePoint for more information on how the grade structure aligns to Spot Points.
Flexible working – where possible.
The equivalent of 25 days (185 hours per year) annual leave plus Public Holidays (59.2 hours per year). This increases by 2 days (14.8 hours per year) annual leave after two full calendar years of service (as at 5th January in the leave year) , and an additional 3 days (22.2 hours per year) annual leave after five full calendar years of service (as at 5th January in the leave year). You also have the option to buy or sell the equivalent of 5 days (37 hours) annual leave each year (available in specific windows for the following holiday year). For the purpose of assessing an employee’s annual leave entitlement, a day means seven and two fifths (7.4) hours. A pro rata entitlement will apply for part time workers.
Flexible benefits scheme – including cycle to work and reduced gym membership fees.
Participation in our Company Bonus Scheme (up to £5,750 per annum based on corporate objectives).
Employee Assistance Programme including 24-hour telephone support & personal assistance service and access to an online wellbeing App.
Up to 13.5% employer pension contribution depending on individual contribution amount.
Enhanced maternity and paternity pay (dependent on service).
Access to training and development through the company performance management arrangements, supporting you in maintaining your personal Continuous Professional Development.
We have various different employee networks supporting our inclusion, diversity and wellbeing mission at Nuclear Restoration Services Limited (NRS).
Additional Information
Please be aware this role holder requires security clearance, or the ability to obtain said clearance.
There is a requirement to live within a commutable distance to the sites where the role is based. For central/multi-site roles, we have various hubs across the UK and can be flexible with base location.
We value the unique differences that each of our colleagues bring to work every day and are committed to creating an environment where everyone feels respected, included and able to perform at their best.
At Nuclear Restoration Services Limited (NRS), we are committed to creating a workplace that is diverse and inclusive, we therefore particularly welcome applications from Women, Black, Asian and Ethnic Minorities, LGBT+ and candidates with a disability as they are all underrepresented in our workforce.
We are happy to talk flexible working where possible.